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A 



SERMON 

DELIVERED BEFORE 

Cfje Cojtgtegational ^octeit 

AT 

ThOMASTOI^, (mAINe) NOVEMJBER 2j 1806 J 

BEING 

C^e Uth'» Wm after ttje 31nictmert{ 

OF THE 

Hon. HENRY KNOX, 

Who Diedj OBoher 25M, j£ial. 56 Years. 






Br aLDEN BRAJDFQRD, a. m. s. h. s. 



PuU't/hed by Requeji of the Inhahilantt compofwg Ja'id Society 
in Thomnjlon. 

*■"—■———— ■ ... ....i... ..1.-., n, . „ 

" BEHOLD THE LoRD DOTH TAKE AWAY — THE MIGHTY MAN, 
THE MAN OF WAR, THK HONORABLE MAN, THE COUNSELLOR, 
AND THE KLOCyjENT ORATOR." ISAIAH. 



PRINTED BY BABSON AND RUSST. 



mm 



\ 



AUTHOR'S NOTE. 

THE following Sfrmojj U fiibmitted to tlie prcfs tip- 
on tlie urgent and r fpcale J rcqacQ. of a Committee cliofcn bf 
the Society at Tbomaftonf who heard it from the pulpit. It 
Vfas written in much haftc ntid in a very infirra (late of health* 
But it is npi coulilltnl with my idea« of propriety, to makf 
Bny •Iterations. The chara^cr of General KNOX, attempt- 
ed in the dole of the Dilconrfc. I am fenfible, is not complete 
and pcrfc*f\ ; though thcfkitches here given, fo faraalheygo, 
I believe are llri(Riy juft. This remark, by way of ap<ilogy, I 
confider ncceffaiy, L»oiIj in juditc to myfrlf and the charad^ef 
of the deceafed. — Some facts arc added, as noted : and iLcft 
are concifelj Hated, to prevent fwclling the pamphlet. 



•;:;««M^>iif*' 






A SERMON, &c. 



•*JlTTtR TntS 1 BEHELD, AND LO A GSHAT MULTITUDE, \VIlltH Nfll 
MAN COULD NDMBER, OF ALL NATIONS AND KINDREDS AND PEO- 
PLE AND TONOL'iSS, STOOD BEFORE THE THRON'E AND BEFORE TUB 
LAMB, CLOTHED WITH WHITE ROBES AND PALMS IN THEIR HANDS I- 
AND CHIED WITH A LOOD VOICE, SATING, SALVATION TO OUR GOD, 
WHO SITTiTH UPON THE TUKONE AND UNTO THE LAMB." 

IT is by the chriftian revelation only, that we 
have latisfaftory evidence of a future and im- 
mortal ftate ofexiftence. This gives us the fulleftaf- 
furance, that we (ball exift afier the prefent, mortal 
fcene is clofed ; and exprefsly declares, that all the 
(incerely virtuous, "thofe who fear God and work 
righieoufne fs," will be exalted to unfpeakablc glory 
and felicity in the heavenly world. 

It is true, indeed, that all other fyftcrns cf religion, 
which have been formed or adopted by mankind, 
have inculcated the do6lrine of the immortality of 
the foul, and of a future ftate of retribution. And 
may not this be julily oonfidered as proving, that the 
doQrine is agreeable to the reafon, the apprehenfions 
and the expectations of mankind. ? 

Human reafcn, however, could only argue the 
probability and fuggeft the hope of immortality. The 
iheories and realonings of the wifeft philofophers 
could never furnifli convincing evidence, that we 
fhould live bf^yond the grave. To afccnain and prove 
this mod intercfting and important truth, the aff'uran- 
ces of divine infpiration and ibedifplay of divine 
power appear to ha-ve been necefTary. It was requi- 
fne that a doBrine, fo full of confolation and fo ufe- 
ful in moralr. faould be fancUoned by that Being, 



[ 4 ] 

whofc abiluy now: can deny and whofc promifc nanf 
v/i\\ doubt. 

This doClrinc and this truth mull be cftablifhcd, 
then, by the intcrpofuions of divine wifdorD and 
power. The chriftian religion is attended and fup- 
portcd by Inch inicrpofiiions. Divine power was 
extraordinarily c}{CTicd, d'w\nc intelligence and mer- 
cy arc extraordinarily difplayed in every pari of this 
gracious difpcnfaiion. Prophecies and miracles ; 
dotlriiies, novel, co^nprehenfive and confoling; pre- 
cepts, pure ami perfecl ; the charai^er of its author 
incompar.vbly fuperior lo that of any merely hiwnan 
being — all combine to prove that the chriftian religion 
was diOcT'.ed bythc wifdomtSj fupported by the power of 
ibc Great Parent of the univcrfe. At the period foretold 
by infpircd prophets for centuries before the event,^ 
and with the fingular and wonderful, yet perfect 
cbaratler, which wad been dcfcribcd, the Son of God 
appeared in human fL'fli. Though he pofTelfed pow-' 
cr to command the elements, and to dire6l and con- 
iroul the paflions of men, his conduft exhibited the 
brightcft pattern of temperance, humility, fclf denial 
and difinieredcd benevolence. His exalted virtue 
and fpoilefs purity of charafter; the gracious doc- 
trines and holy precepts of his religion ; as well as 
the miracles he performed, declare his divine mifllori 
and prove him to have been filled with the wifclom 
and fpirii of God. The great truths and the bcft doc- 
trines of natural religion, he fully confirmed : And 
be taught others, refpefting the nature and benefits of 
bis mediation, moft important to be known by a Gn- 
ful world. At"tcr having voluntarily fubmittcd to 
death, in obedience to the will of his Father, to cfTcc- 
toate the purpofcs of his grace, he arofe triumphantly 
fiom the grave and afcendcd up inio glory. Surely 



[ 5 ] 

then we muft acknowledge that " this was the Son of 
God." — ''" He is exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour, 
at the right hand of the majefty in the heavens." 

The refiirre^lion of Chrift himfelf, connef^ed with 
the adurance, that he will come at a future day ancj 
redore the dead to life, is a firm foundation, on whicU 
fo build our hope and faith of immortality. On this 
proinife and on tJjis/<2^ we reft, with a fare and cer- 
(ain expectation of a future and eternal ftate of exif- 
tence. 

"And why fhould it be thought a thing incredible, 
that God fhould raifc the dead?" Certainly a Being 
of infinite power, who created, who prefcrves and 
governs all worlds; who at firft formed rnan out of 
[he duft of the earth, and gave him animal and intel- 
leQual faculties, can awake again to life our (lumber- 
ing atoms; and raife us, clothed with fpiritual bod- 
es, to the realms of immortal glory. Who will limit 
he power of the almighty ? Who will pronounce 
\vhat is polfible with God ? That the difciple of nar 
ure, or the pupil of human philofophy fliould be puz-. 
iled on this fubje6t, is not matter of wonder, and caa 
DC no jiijt ot)jection to the doctrine of revelation, 
ly hateyer of difficulty or ofmyftery there may be reding 
)n this ariicle of chriltianity, its truth is in no degree 
ncompatible with the perfeftions of the Deity, nor 
:pntradi(^ory to any known axioms of philofophy. 

It Is fufficient for us to know, that we fijall be made 
)ar.akers of immortality. But whether our fouls 
kr^re originally created immaterial Sc immortal :* or 

"It willl be readily admitted that true philofophy favors the idea of 
)ur pofltfliag an inin)atcriai and Ipiritual principle, which does not 6c- 
3«fld on ti.e body for its being or excrcifcs ; and in fcveral places the 
vord of God implies that we fliall coutiuue to txift between death and " 



[ 6 ] 

vhcthcr it will be by a divine comiitjr.icatian of pow- 
fr, imparled at the refurrf'lion^ which (hall give us a 
fpiritualiiy and incorruptibility of ctllonce; itisim- 
poffihle for rcafon to dcttr:iiinc : ,Andy in tiie opin- 
ion of nnany learned divines, the infpircd fcripturos 
have not cxprrfslv decided. Bur, that, at fome future 
period, we fhall all be raifed from the filent prifonof 
the ton>b, atid that the righteous will be admitted to 
tht manlions of immortal blifs and glory, is abundant- 
ly dechrrd in the volnmc of infpfifation ; and cannot 
be doubted by thofe who believe in the chriflian rsv- 
claiion. *■< Bieir:^ he God fjr this ur>fpealcable gift." 
^^Blelfcd be the God and Father of our Lord jelos 
Clirift, "who in the plcfjiLud;^ of his nvcrcy, by the ref- 
vrrctlionof ChrilVfroao the dead, hai given us a live- 
ly hope of aa inheritance, intorruptioie, undefilcd 
and unfading, r^fcrvcd in hcaver\ fpr thofe who arc 
kept by divine poYfcr ihro' faiih u»to Cilvaiion." 

The g6fi)el teaches us that " thei-c "will be a r<?fur- 
#eBioa bo«h of the jiifl and ofthe nnjuft :" that " all 
who are ?n their grave-* ih:A] eome forth ; thole who 
kavcdonie good to the rcfof"i*<flk)n of life and happi- 
i^cfs; and thofe who have done evil to the refurrec- 
lion df condemnation." The impenitent dnd wicked 
i»iH ihen be ft'p^ratcd from the ri^hteoii?, and from 
the blifbTd prcfcncc of God, with this awful fentence, 
••depart froirj me,' ye workers ofiniqaify.** And the 
righteous wi'l be received t^ the abodes oreverlaTling 
hapninefs ; never more to experience ihe toil.-*, temp- 
tations and furrows which are incident to huraaniiy, 

rtc iffniTcrtion. In tliit opinion, ve acquiefce. U n howerer known ■ 
to be tlie oj>iiiioQ of iHAny crii-.rm Tljcolngiios, tliAt thf interval bc- 
|. ' 1 .. .. -. fcijvn at iiiTcnfibiiuf . The 

\ a^ 111 • ti^'.c of iaiiHivity, and 

I,, ^ . , N _ lUU ;k! lii-.-Ui'i l» ihi? fuppo- 



[ ; 1 

This fociety of good beings, we are afTured, will be 
linrpcakabiy great and numerous. Thouoh it is a la- 
mentable fad, that many of the children of mer» dif«' 
regard the precepts of religion and the requirements 
of heaven, and piirfue thofe vicious courfes which 
lead toditftruction; yet there will b? found an inna- 
merable company who are faithful and holy, and who 
will fliare in the rewards of immortality. Thofe who 
are fincereiy devout and pious; thofe who love and 
ferve God, of every age and nation, will compofe this 
glorious and auguli aHemhly. « I faw," fays the apof- 
tie John « a gr^at nnultitude, which no man could 
number, of all nations and people and languacres ftood 
before the throne and before the lamb." 

Whatever, from partial or hafly views, we may be; 
ready to imagine, as to the number of thofe who will 
be fubjeSs of grace and glory, the gofpel inftruQs 
us, that falvation is confined lo no fed nor nation. 
'« God is no refpeBor of perfons." He will be found 
3f all thofe who fincereiy feek and faithfully ferve 
iim. Whether barbarous or civilized, whether lear- 
[ied or ignorant, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether 
jnder the gofpel, or enjoying only the light of nature; 
ill who are truly deCrous and careful, accordinc^ to 
he knowledge they have, to pleafe God, will be gra- 
:iQufly accepted and made happy in the heavenly 
world. None will feek a!>d ferve hira in vain. With 
mpartial eye he views the whole family of mankind. 
They are all his offspring. And in whomever there 
s fincere piety and prevailing moral goodnefs; who- 
iver refift and overcome evil j whoever conquer un- 
■lily paflions and habits ; thefe he approves and loves, 
^e beholds with approbation the widow's mite, as 
kfeli as the morecxtenfive charity of the opulent; the 



L 8 ] 

honcO fi rice rily and humble worfliip oF the ignorant 
favagc, as well as the more enlightened and improved 
virtue of ihofi favored with the gofpcl ;* And he will 
blers& remunerate them all. — Though no human being 
can really p\cad perjonal merit before God, or claim 
a title to future glory and happincfs, [ds aU are imper- 
icB. and finful, and will receive, not of debt, but of 
grace,} yet, thofc, whofe fincerc defire and cndcavout 
it is to conform to the will of heaven, will be admit- 
ted into the fociety of the blefTcd above. In the 
heavenly world, all the virtuous and good, who have 
ever lived on earth, will be colk fted irrto one glorious 
and hlifsful fociety. " They (hall come from the eafl 
and from the weft, from the north and from the 
fouih, and fhall fit down with Abrahamj Ifaac and Ja- 
cob in the kingdom of God." 

Should It be objeQcd, that this can only apply td 
thofe who have lived in chriflian countries and have 
believed the gofpcl ; and, therefore, that it does not 
appear, as fuggcded, that any of the heathens will be 
faved — it might be faid in reply, that the great fin of 
inhdelity confifts in difregarding and oppofing the 
evidences, which God has given thofc who enjoy the 
gofpcl ; that all who are favcd, will be accepted by 
divine grace through the Saviour; that all pious and 
upright heathens, fuch as were Abraham and Cornelius 
before they received fupernatural inflruQion, have 

•n Iu» fcntcncc, pcrhapi, is cipablc of mifconnrudlion. It was only 
intended to conrcy the idta that the fmccrc and virtaoui even among 
bcKlhen^ would be f^vcd ; Not that our Itoly religion docs not tialt 
• nd refine our dirpoliiinnt and greatly tend to purify our condu<£k : 
>.'or that a holy hie uponchriftian priaeiplcs is not moft pleafinj; and 
acceptable to God. And it ha^ been obferved bctore, that reafi>n w>5 
r " ■ " ■ ' ■ truth and virtue. Where God intends to call 

I . we believe he will picpirc the w»y for the iii- 

tr ..V >. 1 .. Yet ue coafider it rarioual and Icripiural, that 

lh»>tc hc4lh«n» wk<i jrc cartful in th«ir enquiries and confcicnlioui ■ 
in tlitir prjiflifc will Jiad mcfcy at the great day ihicugh the atoning 
btoud of the Redeemer. 



[ 9 ] 

fehe rpirit, if not the narae of chriftians ; and. that, be- 
ing of this difpofnion and chara6ler, they belong id 
the kingdom of the Redeemer, and will be owned and 
blefled by him at the lafl; day. 

This celeftial company will not only be exceeding- 
ly numerous, but unfpeakably happy. It will be com- 
pofed wholly of virtuous fpirits, deligtingin God, and 
in whom he will alfo delight. It will be their fublime 
and blefled employment to contemplate new manifeC- 
tations of the'divine wifdom and goodnefs, and to 
unite with hofts of angels "in praifing and glorifying 
him who fitleih upon the throne of the Univerfe and 
the Lamb forever and ever." — The faculties of our 
minds, it is reafonable to fuppofe, and is clearly in> 
timated in fcripture, will be greatly enlarged in the 
future ftate; and we fhall be permitted to fee and 
know more of the perfedionsj v.'ork;i and wifdom of 
God, New wonders and difplays of providence will 
probably be made to us, to exalt our admiring and 
adoring thoughts, and to gratify and delight our fouls. 
Many myfteriss in the divine condu6t will be explain- 
ed to our enlightened comprehenfion ; and the riches 
of redeeming love be more fully underftood, Thefe 
'^'i\\ be perpetual themes of praife, and inexhauftible 
fources of gratitude and joy. The facred fong, which 
■will refound through the celeftial manfions, will be, 
*< blefling, glory, honor, and falvation to God the 
Father and to his Son, Jefus Chrift our Lord, who 
has redeemed us by his blood, out of every kindred 
and tonguej and people and nation." 

This great company of glorified beings reprefented 
to be thus ferving and praifing God in heaven, it i* 
alfo to be obferved, were pure and righteous. And 
U is agreeable to the whole current of infpired fcrip- 



r lo ] 

ture, that thofe who are admitted into the heavpnly 
world and participate in its fpiriluai joys, will be holy 
and virtuous beings. The idea is fuggefted in ouir 
text, by the exprefTion *^ that they were clothed with 
white robes," This apparel was an emblem of per- 
fonal purity and holinels, through the fanciifying in- 
fluence of the gofpel, and of the inteieft they had in 
the redemption of Chrift ; by whofe mediation and 
atonement thofe who believe and repent are confider- 
'•d as innocent or righteous in the fi^ht of heaven. 
God has appointed Jefus Chrifl: to be a Saviour, and 
a propitiation for the fins of the world ; on which ac- 
count, the penitent and faithful are offered pardon 
and favored with the inOuences of divine grace tore- 
new and fanQify them, and thus qualify them for the 
pure joys and exalted fervices of heaven. It is the 
bleflcd defign of the gofpel to deliver us from the pow- 
er of finful lufts and habits. It furnilhca peculiarly 
powerful motives to turn us from fin to holinefs, and 
to render us pure in heart and life. " Know ye not," 
fays the apoftie, " that the unrighteous fhall not inher- 
it the Kingdom of God." In that bkn'cd manfion all 
is holy obedience, peace, devotion and love. An in- 
heritance there is prepared for thofe only who have 
overcome temptations and fubdued their evil and 
corrupt affeQions. They are defcribed as vigors 
having palms in their hands. They are thofe who 
have conquered their fpiritual enemies, fought the 
good Bght of faith, and maintained their integrity 
amidft furrounding corruption. 

We perceive, then, that thcchrifl^n religion fur- 
nifhes us both with encouragement and counfci, to 
live above the world, to deny ourfelvcs all unlawful 
plcafurcs and indulgences, and to conform to the pre- 



[ it ] 

Cepts of heavenly wifdom. And certainly, this world 
is not to be confidered ctiiefly as zjlate of enjoyment. 
It is not our permanent place of abode. We are 
bt-re pilgrims and fojourners, as were our fathers be- 
fore us. — The gofpel docs not, in faB, require us to 
treat worldly goods with contempt, nor to be infcnfi- 
ble to the common blellings of life. The bounties of 
providence fliould be received with gratitude and 
enjoyed with cheerfulnefs. Chriftianity is not anf- 
werable for the voluntary feverities of fuperftition, 
nor the abfurd praaices of enthufiafm, ^This divine, 
fyftem would conduct its votaries in the paths of fo- 
briety and virtue to the realms of future glory and im- 
mortality. At the fame time, it requires us to fupprefs 
all anxious defires for the vain pleafures and fading 
honors of the world. " It calls us to glory and virtue." 
It would have us deny ourfelva all unrighteoufnefs, 
both in principle and conduB ; and perfuade us to 
cultivate fpirituality of fcfFetlions and to acquire vir- 

t,u,ous and holy habits. 

This divine religion is all our falvation and all our 
hope : Let us propofe it as the conftant rule of life. 
Would we derive confolation from its promifes and 
fliare in its offered grace, we'muft be careful to live 
in conformity to its. holy precepts. 

The doflrines of chriftianity do alfo adminifter 
great confolation to thofe who mourn the death of 
virtuous relatives and friends. For fuch, we mourn 
not as thofe who are without hope. In this appears 
the unfpeakable benefit of the gofpel, when compared 
to the fyftems of infidelity or fatalifm. It attempts 
not, indeed, to ftifle the emotions of forrow at the exit 
of a valuable friend. But it greatly foothes and 
mitigates our grief, by alTuring^ usj that the fpirits of 



[ '= ] 

departed faints, relieved from the infirmities, the car^J^^ 
and evils of this tcrrcftrial abode, svill be admitted to 
the manfions of ccleftiai glor)', 

F.ir be it from me to flatter the living, or to pro- 
nounce an unjufl panegyric on even iha: rcfpcflable 
perfonagr, whole recent death is [o deeply lamented. 
The intimate acquaintance and friends of General 
Knox^j I- am perfuadcd, will readily join me in clafs- 
int^ him among thofe charaQers who have don: great 
^ood rn their day and grneraiion ; among thofe who 
have dcfervcd well of their country and mankind. 

Few men iiavc pofTcfTcd equal energy ofintcllefi 
with bim. The faculties of his mind were vafl and 
comprchenfive : And by application and ftudy he 
hadacqaired much ulcfalinformation, which ri^nder- 
cd him a more valuable citizen, and capacitated him 
lo be an entertaining and indruCtivc companion to 
xnep of literature artd Icicncc 

As a Patriot — few indeed in our country could 
juftly claim merit or recount fcrvices fuperior co his. 
With thofe heroes and ftatefmen, who in the memo-* 
rable period of 5775, made a brave and decided (land 
in defence of civil liberty, no motives could have 
operated but thofe which were pcrfctlly pure ani| 
patriotic. Among thefe meritorious charaClcrs, 
G^-neral Knox holds a diflinguifhed rank. From the 
firft moment to the clofe of that defenfive and lawful 
co««cft, which ierminate<l in the cftablilhment of our 
freedom as an independent republic, he bore an ac- 
tive and confpicuous part. He poffeffed, in a high 
and flaiicring degree, the cfteem and confidence of his 
illuflrious compatriot, Washington. His military 
talents, his bravery, his pcrfcverancc and integrity 



E >3 3 

were acknowledged by that great man; and while he 
iived, he never ceafed to appreciate ihefe valuable 
qualities. His exertions were united with that illuf- 
trious Patriot, in compofing the difcontented and mu- 
tinous fpirit, which appeared in feme parts of the ar- 
my at the clofe of the war, and which threatened th^ 
country with the moft calamitous events. And by 
the fame exalted charefter, he was feletled as one 
well qualified to fill a refponfible and important office 
in the federal government; which under providence 
has been the inftrument of our political welfare and 
happinefs. 

But in the charaflers of a foldier and ftatefman, he 
did not lofe the more mild and amiable virtues of the 
man. The bland and gentle afFe£lions of humanity 
had full poffeffion of his foul. " His heart was made 
of tendernefs." The afflicled and diftiefled were fure 
lo fllare in his compaflion and charity. And in the 
relations and offices of domeftic life, he was eminent- 
ly affedionate and exemplary.* He difregarded hi6 

* As I do not recoiled that it has been noticed in any hio£raphical 
remark? of Gen. Knox, I cannot refrain from mentioning in this place, 
liii filial piety, his moft afFedlionate and affiduous attentions to a lu'tdoiu- 
#(/j aged mother. In his greareft elevation, in his moft preffing duties of 
^ public nature, flie was rtmembeied and honored. Perhaps, no one 
was ever more anxioudy devoted to provide for tlie comfoit and liappi- 
nefa of a beloved parent. Her family name was Campbell — Here alfp 
let me record the time cf his birth ; which was on the ai;th of July, 
1750-— A memorandum in his father's family bible furniflies this faft. 
He was th^ lilt h of twelve children, moft of whom died in infancy. 
One of his brothers was an officer in our revolutionary war, and after- 
vards a Conful from the United States in fomc part of Europe : He 
died fevcral years ago— Of the public fcrvices, of the military talents 
*c merits of Gen. Knox, much more, we are fenfible, might be juftly faid. 
Before hoftilities openly commenced, he had difcovertd uncommon zeal 
in the caufe of liberty ; and was an officer of an independent company 
in Bpfton ; in which flation, his attention and (kill in difcipline gave 
prcfagcsof his future eminence. And no officer entered into our army, 
if we except the Commander in Chief, under more honorable and flat- 
tering circumftanccs. It was at the unanimous rcqueft of all the officcrg 
of artillery, that he was veftcd with the command in that department^ 
His condu(fl through the war afTorded proof that the choice was moft 
judiciou*.— Sut wc forbear to particularize the numerous iuftances of 



L H ] 

own wiHics and convenience, in kind endeavours tq 
promote Uie intcrcft and happincfs of his friends. 

The poffcfTion of extenfivc properly and of high 
office is too apt io,engendcr pride and infolence. But 
both in difpofition and manners, our dcparied friend 
was entirely exempt from this common frailly. Mild- 
nefs ever beamed in his countenance ; " on hislonguQ 
were the words of kindnes ;" and equity and generof- 
ity always marked his iniercourfe with his fellow-men. 
The poor, he nev?r opprelfcd ; the more obfcure 
citizen, I believe, could never complain of injufticQ 
at his hands. With all claffes of people, he dealt on 
the moll fair aud honorable pr nciplcs ; and would 
fooner fubmit to a facrifice of property himfelf, than 
injure or defraud another. 

In his political charafter, we fliould be unjuft did 
we not give him the praife of candor and moderation. 
Though decided in his opinions and undifguifed in his 
conduB, he could pot truly be denominated the zeaU 
ot of party. Even his enemies, (if enemies he had, of 
thofe who knew not his worth) will not deny him the 
merit of impartiality and magninimity. It is no^ 
however, to be dilfembled, that he was a warm advo 
catd for the principles and mcafures of our beloved 
Washington, and for thofe of the friends and ad- 
mirers of that fainted Patriot. And with this convic- 
tion, it was impoflTible for a man of his fincerity and 
greatnefs of mind, to be guilty of any temporizing 
conduQ, or of a change of opinion for the fake of pop- 
ularity or promotion. He was one of thofe " rare 

his iTieritotioov public fcrviccs. Hii name is cnrolird on the page o% 
hilUiry, will* other heiocn, who under providence, faved us from for- 
eign opprcflion and flsvcry ; and his patriotic deeds arc recorded ill 
tbc anuall of our cuuutry. 



[ «5 3 

chara&ers, who prefer /ke public good t6 the pulUc Jd- 
vor." And with thofe, who can diftinguifh the fca- 
tures of the fincere patriot, his civic virtues and fervid 
ces will ever be highly appreciated. 

To the amiable qualities and moral excellencies of 
General Knox, which have already been enumerated, 
we may juflly add his prevailing difpofition to piety. 
With much of the manners of the gay World, and op- 
pofed as he was to all fuperftition and bigotry, he 
ihighl not appear to thofe ignorant of his better feel- 
ings, to polTefs teligious and devout afFeftions. But 
K) his friends, it was abundantly evident, that he cher- 
ifhed exalted fentiments of devotion and piety to God, 
He was not only a firm believer in the natural and 
moral attributes of the Deity, which philofophy 
might admit, and in his overuling and all pervading 
providence : But always expreffed a warm (enfe of 
his dependence and obligation for all the means of 
happioefs. From various converfitions, which 1 have 
had with him, on thefe fubjefts, it is my fettled con- 
vi6lion, that he received thcgofpel as a divine fyftem, 
and that his heart was warmed and influenced by pi- 
ous affeflions. He had a ftrong belief of the immor- 
tality of the foul :* And would contemplate with in- 
creafing fatisfaclion and delight the profpeft of inteU 
leSlual employments and glories in the future world. 

He fincerely refpeBed the minifters and inftitutions 
of our holy religion : And his exertions, to provide 

• The following paragraph is extraAed from his WiH. «« I think It 
proper to cxprcfs my unfliaken opinion of the immortality of my foul 
or mind, and to dedicate and devote the fame to the Supreme Head of 
the Univerfc— tu that great and tremendous Jehovj^h who cicatcd the 
univcrfal frame of nature, worlds and fyflems in number infinite ; and 
v/ho has given intellc«fluai cxiftcncc to the rational beings of each globe, 
who are perpetually migrating and afcending in the fcale of mind ac- 
cording to certain principles always foaaded on the great balls of mor- 
ftliry and virtue." 



[ >6 ] 

for the regular fuppofi of the gofpcl in this place \ycre 
great and unremitted. By his liberal donations i6 
eTc6\ this houfe of religious worfliip and to remune- 
rate the labors of the preacher; and by his excmpla. 
ry conducl in attending the fcrvice of God on the 
fabbath, he gave full proof of his fincere attachment 
to the facred caufe of chriftianity. The inhabitants 
of this town have done honor to ihcmfclves by the 
tefpeft they have fliown to his memory, and the for- 
Tow cxprcfTcd at his deceafe. They have in truth 
loffa moll liberal friend and benefactor. 

But the forrows and the lofs of his own bereaved 
family — who can cftimate ? May God Almighty com- 
fort them. May he direft them to make a religious 
improvement of this calamitous event, which now 
overwhelms their fenfes in deep diftrefs. May he 
take them into his fpecial proteQion ; and maUo them 
partakers of his favor and blening in this world, and 
of his grace and glory in heaven. 



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HECKMAN IXl 
at BINDERY INC. |§| 

^APR 89 

N. MANCHESTER, 
INDIANA 46962 










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